Swiss cardinal-designate holds privileged position in papal palace

Published: 2003-10-20

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As "theologian of the pontifical household," Swiss Cardinal-designate Georges Cottier has held a privileged position for the last 14 years. He is the pope's "in-house" theologian -- in fact, his apartment is located in the lower levels of the Apostolic Palace. The pope has rewarded him for years of work and service by naming him among 30 new cardinals who were to be elevated at a consistory Oct. 21. At 81, he will be above the voting-age limit of 80 and therefore will not be able to vote in a conclave. Cardinal-designate Cottier has been a consultor to the Vatican's doctrinal congregation and has served as secretary of the International Theological Commission, helping to guide its work on issues ranging from interreligious dialogue to theological dissent. But perhaps his most important contribution in recent years came as president of the Vatican's Theological-Historical Commission that prepared the way for the church's major "mea culpa" statements of Holy Year 2000, treating such specific themes as the Inquisition and Christians' treatment of Jews.

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